Best UAE Travel Apps: What Works for Tourists in 2026

UAE Travel Apps We’ve Actually Used in Dubai and Beyond

✓ Quick Answer

Careem is the most useful UAE travel app for tourists, covering taxis, food and groceries. Uber, Noon, Talabat and Deliveroo are also useful, while Google Maps handles most everyday navigation. You’ll also need an approved app such as BOTIM or Google Meet for calls as WhatsApp and Facetime calling is blocked. Most major apps work with foreign numbers and cards, but set them up before arriving in case verification is required.

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Essential UAE travel apps at a glance

Getting around the UAE

Careem is the most useful UAE travel app

If you only download one UAE specific app, make it Careem. Careem describes itself as an “everything app,” which is fairly accurate in the UAE, we really do use it for everything. The services most relevant to tourists include:

• Taxis and rides
• Restaurant food delivery
• Dine in restaurant offers
• Groceries
• Pharmacy and convenience store orders
• Bike rental

and more, although the exact options depend on your location.

Taxis and ride shares: We’ve consistently found Careem more useful than Uber in Dubai because it lets you book both private cars and most importantly, regular Hala taxis from the same app. The key thing to note is that the taxis are usually cheaper than Uber.

Careem gives you several options when comparing a ride:

• Hala Taxi
• Comfort
• Executive
• Larger vehicles
• Scheduled rides
• Airport transfers in selected locations

The cheaper Hala option is the one we go with and they even offer a Max option in case you have a lot of bags (we always do).

Restaurant Deliveries: We also use Careem regularly for restaurant delivery instead of competing apps such as Deliveroo. We find that Careem has a huge selection of restaurants to choose from and with it, tons of discounts and offers. You won’t be short of options at all.

Can tourists create a Careem account?

Yes. We’ve used Careem as a tourist and you don’t need an Emirates ID or UAE bank account to access its ordinary travel services. Careem does require a valid mobile number and sends a 4 digit verification code through SMS or WhatsApp. It doesn’t state that the number must be from the UAE. It’s still worth creating your account before flying however. If Careem asks you to verify your number after arrival, your primary SIM must remain able to receive texts or WhatsApp messages.

Can you use a foreign card with Careem?

Yes, Careem lets customers add credit and debit cards through the app. Card verification may trigger a one time password from your bank and a small temporary authorization hold though.

For us and our families, foreign cards have always worked, but approval ultimately depends on the card issuer. If your card fails, check that international and online transactions are enabled in your banking app.

For Hala taxis, you have several fallbacks. You can pay using:

• A card saved in the Careem app
• Cash inside the taxi
• A physical credit or debit card inside the taxi
• A nol card inside the taxi
• Available Careem credit

These options are confirmed in Careem’s Hala payment guidance. Note that if you want to pay by cash, physical credit card or a nol card, you’ll need to select cash and then pay via the driver’s POS machine.

NOTE: One thing we’ve consistently noticed is that our foreign American Express cards haven’t worked in Dubai taxis. We use Visa or Mastercard instead.

Uber works without creating a UAE account

If you already use Uber at home, the same account should work in the UAE. Uber says its service can be used overseas without changing the country attached to your profile. We’ve always found this to be true around the world.

Uber is available in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but we generally check Careem first. Uber usually focuses on private cars, while Careem also provides access to Dubai’s metered Hala taxis.

Uber is still a useful option when:

• Careem availability is limited, which can happen at peak times
• You want to compare arrival times
• You already have a working Uber account and saved card
• You prefer a particular vehicle category
• You’re traveling in Abu Dhabi

You don’t need a UAE number, Emirates ID or local bank account simply to request an Uber ride.

S’hail and nol Pay are useful but not essential

For us, Google Maps has worked perfectly well for getting around Dubai. We’ve always used a physical nol card and topped it up at metro stations, so neither S’hail nor nol Pay has ever felt essential. However, both apps can still be useful if you expect to rely heavily on public transportation.

S’hail

S’hail is Dubai’s official journey planning app. It combines routes involving:

• Dubai Metro
• Dubai Tram
• Public buses
• Marine transportation
• Taxis
• Walking connections

You can also use the RTA’s online journey planner if you only need to check an occasional route and don’t want to download another app.

nol Pay

a nol card makes travel on Dubai’s public transport much more simple for regular use, while physical tickets and cards are available from metro ticket offices, vending machines and authorized sellers. The nol Pay app lets you:

• Check your nol balance
• Top up a compatible physical nol card
• Purchase or renew travel passes

The app can be convenient, but tourists don’t strictly need it. We find it easy enough to buy and top up a physical nol card at a metro station.

One detail worth knowing is that some online top ups don’t appear immediately. The RTA says top ups made through certain online channels may need to be activated by tapping the card at a metro gate, ticket machine or another supported device. Using nol Pay with a compatible NFC phone can make the process faster. The RTA’s nol guidance explains the available purchase, top up and activation methods.

Do tourists need the RTA Dubai app?

Probably not. The wider RTA Dubai app contains more transportation and vehicle services, including parking, licensing and driver related features. Many of these are designed for residents or people driving their own vehicle. Download it if you need a particular RTA service. Otherwise, it probably isn’t essential for an ordinary sightseeing trip.

The most useful transportation apps in Abu Dhabi

Dubai and Abu Dhabi don’t use identical transportation systems, so visitors traveling between them may need separate apps.

Darbi

Darbi is Abu Dhabi’s public transportation and journey planning platform. It provides bus information, routes and arrival times. Abu Dhabi Mobility officially directs passengers to Darbi and Google Maps for bus timetables. You can also access Darbi through its website if you don’t want to install the app.

Abu Dhabi Taxi

The Abu Dhabi Taxi app lets you request an official local taxi. Abu Dhabi Mobility says passengers can pay taxi fares using:

• Cash
• Apple Pay
• Samsung Pay
• PayBy
• Credit cards through the Abu Dhabi Taxi app

Careem and Uber are also available in Abu Dhabi, but the local taxi app gives you another useful option which can be cheaper.

Hafilat cards

Abu Dhabi buses use Hafilat cards rather than Dubai’s nol cards. Anonymous Hafilat cards are available for visitors, so you don’t need to become a resident or obtain an Emirates ID just to use the bus.

Don’t assume your Dubai nol card will cover ordinary public transportation across the UAE. Each emirate may have its own transportation system and payment arrangements.

Food, groceries and everyday shopping

Which UAE delivery app should you use?

Food delivery is extremely common in the UAE, and tourists can use the major platforms when staying at a hotel or apartment.

The 4 apps we’d check are:

1. Careem
2. Talabat
3. Deliveroo
4. Noon

Coverage, restaurant choice, delivery charges and offers vary by neighborhood. There isn’t one app that is cheapest for every order.

Can tourists order food without a UAE number?

A functioning number is important because the app, restaurant or delivery rider may need to contact you and some prefer to ring, rather than use the messaging function. A foreign number can work, but make sure it remains active and that you can receive verification messages.

Always provide:

• Your hotel or building name
• The correct tower or entrance
• Apartment or room number
• A number on which the rider can reach you

Dubai developments often contain several towers with similar names. Dropping a map pin without writing the building name can still lead to confusion. Another thing to note, during our last visit, GPS was not accurate due to regional conflict, so be extra sure that your delivery address is correct.

In apartment buildings, delivery drivers will come to your floor and door.

Can you pay using a foreign card?

Foreign cards generally work across the major delivery services, although card approval depends on your bank. You may need to complete an OTP or app based security check.

Cash remains a useful fallback. Deliveroo confirms that cash is available for participating orders when shown at checkout. Careem also accepts cash, cards, Apple Pay and Careem Pay for eligible shop and grocery orders.

Calling and messaging in the UAE

Does WhatsApp work in the UAE?

This catches a lot of visitors out.

WhatsApp messaging, photos, videos and voice notes work normally in the UAE. WhatsApp voice and video calls, however, aren’t included on the UAE’s current list of approved internet calling services and are generally blocked on local networks.

Does Facetime work in the UAE?

Facetime calling is also affected by the same wider restrictions. The Facetime app may still appear on a phone purchased outside the UAE, but that doesn’t mean calls will connect over a regular UAE internet connection.

Which calling apps work in the UAE?

The UAE’s Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority regulates internet calling services and requires network providers to block services that aren’t licensed or approved. The TDRA’s current approved list includes:

• Microsoft Teams
• Zoom
• Google Meet for meetings
• Slack
• Cisco Webex
• BOTIM
• GoChat
• Comera
• Voico

For most, Microsoft Teams, Zoom or Google Meet are the easiest choices because the person you’re calling may already use them.

BOTIM is more closely positioned as a replacement for ordinary personal voice and video calling, but both participants need the app. Be reaady to receive adverts via notifications too.

Can a travel eSIM affect calling availability?

Some international travel eSIMs route data outside the UAE, so calling availability can differ between providers. However, we wouldn’t choose an eSIM on the assumption that it will unblock WhatsApp or Facetime calls.

You can read our guide to the best eSIMs for Dubai and the UAE for more information on the best travel eSIMs available in the region and what you should know before buying an eSIM for Dubai and the UAE for more about blocked websites, installation and calling.

Apps to download before arriving

We recommend setting up the most important apps before your flight. Download and sign into:

• Careem
• Uber
• Your banking app
• Google Maps
• S’hail if you’ll use public transportation
• Your airline and hotel apps
• An approved calling app such as Teams, Zoom, Google Meet or BOTIM
• Your eSIM provider’s app, with a plan already purchased. You won’t be able to purchase another plan inside the country.

Saily is currently our top-rated UAE option, and you can use our Saily promo code for 15% off if you choose it.

There are two reasons for doing this.

1. First, you can confirm that your passwords, foreign number and bank verification methods work while you still have reliable access to everything at home.
2. Second, some international eSIM websites and apps can be difficult or impossible to access from within the UAE. Buying and installing your eSIM before arrival avoids relying on airport Wifi or trying to solve an activation problem after landing.

Apps most tourists don’t need

The UAE has many excellent government apps, but their presence on other travel app lists doesn’t mean an ordinary visitor needs them.

UAE Pass

UAE Pass is the country’s digital identity system. It provides access to government and private sector services, but most of its features are intended for residents and citizens. Visitors may encounter UAE Pass options, but you don’t need it for normal tourist activities such as taking taxis, using the metro, ordering food or paying in shops.

DubaiNow

DubaiNow combines a large number of Dubai government and resident services. It can be used for bills, housing, driving, residency and other administrative tasks. It became much more useful to us as UAE residents. As a short term tourist, you’re unlikely to need it.

TAMM

TAMM is Abu Dhabi’s government services platform. It’s valuable for residents dealing with vehicles, housing, healthcare and official services, but it isn’t an essential sightseeing app.

ICP UAE

The ICP app covers federal identity, citizenship, customs and residency services. Tourists may use the ICP website or services for visa related tasks, but most visitors don’t need the app throughout their trip.

Our recommended UAE app setup

For most tourists visiting Dubai, we’d install:

1. Careem for Hala taxis, rides and delivery
2. Uber as a backup and comparison
3. Google Maps for general navigation
4. S’hail if you want a dedicated Dubai public transportation planner
5. nol Pay if you want to manage your nol card through your phone
6. Deliveroo or Talabat for additional food options
7. Microsoft Teams, Google Meet or BOTIM for calls if WhatsApp or Facetime don’t work

Add Darbi and Abu Dhabi Taxi if you’re spending meaningful time in Abu Dhabi.

There’s no reason to install every UAE government app before a holiday. Start with transportation, navigation, delivery and an approved calling option. You can add anything else if a specific need arises.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best app for tourists in Dubai?

For us, Careem is the most useful all round app for tourists in Dubai. It provides access to Hala taxis, private rides, food delivery, groceries and several other services.

Is Careem or Uber better in Dubai?

We generally prefer Careem because it includes Dubai’s Hala taxis, which are often less expensive than premium private rides. Uber is still useful for comparing availability and prices.

Can I use Careem with a foreign phone number?

Careem requires a valid mobile number and sends its verification code through SMS or WhatsApp. We used Careem before having UAE residency, but you should create the account before traveling and make sure your number can still receive verification messages.

Can I use a foreign credit card in UAE apps?

Foreign cards commonly work in Careem, Uber and major delivery apps. Your bank may require an OTP or approval through its app. Cash and in vehicle card payments provide useful alternatives if an app rejects your card. We’ve found that foreign American Express cards don’t work in Dubai taxis, so carry a Visa or Mastercard as a backup.

Do I need a UAE phone number for Dubai?

Most tourists don’t need a UAE number for taxis, navigation or ordinary food delivery. However, a local number may make communication with drivers easier and it can certainly help to make phone calls for certain resident, banking or government services.

Which app should I use for the Dubai Metro?

Use S’hail to plan journeys and nol Pay to check or top up a compatible nol card. You’ll still need a nol card or supported virtual nol product to enter the metro.

Does WhatsApp work in the UAE?

WhatsApp messaging, media and voice notes work. WhatsApp voice and video calls are generally unavailable on regular UAE networks because WhatsApp isn’t on the TDRA’s list of approved internet calling services.

Which video calling apps work in the UAE?

The TDRA’s approved list includes Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet for meetings, BOTIM, GoChat, Cisco Webex, Slack and several other services.

Should I download my apps before arriving?

Yes. Set up Careem, your bank, an approved calling service and your eSIM app before traveling. This reduces the risk of being locked out by SMS verification, weak airport WiFi or local website restrictions.